How can I create a well-defined research question for a systematic review?
Answer
Crafting a research question is an iterative process during which investigators continuously refine and improve the original query. The basic who, what, when, where, how, and why framework may present a useful starting point as the researcher defines boundaries and sets limits. Some of the considerations covered by this framework include timeframe, geography, language, population, databases/search tools to be scanned, criteria for selecting studies for review, and research methodology.
Cochrane and the Campbell Collaboration are organizations whose work focuses on all aspects of the systematic review process.
- Cochrane concentrates on evidence- based health. Chapter 2 of the Cochrane Handbook addresses research question formulation, in two sub-chapters called the “rationale for well-formulated questions” and “defining the scope of a review question.”
- The Campbell Collaboration focuses on social sciences. The Campbell Collaboration YouTube Channel provides a five-part video series with two videos focused on research question formulation.
For more support on systematic reviews, advanced reviews, or evidence syntheses, please visit our Systematic Reviews and Evidence Syntheses Research Subject Guide.